New Delhi, Feb. 10 -- The joint statement issued by India and the United States of America on the conclusion of their trade negotiations, which led to a framework for an interim trade agreement, has been read in India in sharply different ways.

Many have hailed the strategic thinking and vision behind clinching this agreement soon after the conclusion of the India-EU free trade agreement. Textile manufacturers and exporters in Tiruppur have applauded the agreement as an important breakthrough for their export prospects.

On the other hand, much of the criticism rests on a literal reading of the text. In practice, framework agreements are generally intended to express shared intent and broad orientation, while allowing for sequencing and ...